Stefanie Van Aken (Source: Stefanie Van Aken)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Stefanie Van Aken, founder of RSMLVTravel, an affiliate of Montecito Village Travel.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
In 2010, I found out I was pregnant with twins. We already had a 6- and 4-year-old, and we were only expecting one more baby! Up until that point, I had worked successfully in marketing and leadership roles for several companies, with my last position as store manager/community director, where I opened the first lululemon store on the Las Vegas Strip. Shortly thereafter, I was put on bed rest, which ultimately led me to step away from my role with lululemon.
I have never been someone who sits still easily, and even with two little ones at home, and eventually two more babies on the way, I knew I needed something that would keep me creatively engaged while still allowing me to be present as a mother and wife. My husband works in the Las Vegas casino industry, and at the time, his schedule was essentially 24/7, so finding something flexible that I could do from home became very important.
A friend of mine was involved in the “mommy blogging” world, and I decided to explore that space myself. What started as lifestyle and parenting content quickly evolved into travel and lifestyle writing. I began submitting travel pieces for both local and national publications and websites, and over time, friends started asking for help planning their own trips and itineraries.
Ironically, I had always been interested in becoming a travel advisor, but after graduating from a four-year university in the late 90s, I could not picture myself working in a traditional brick-and-mortar travel agency.
By 2018, the rise of independent contractors within the travel industry created the perfect opportunity for me. It felt like a combination of timing, experience, and life aligning in the right way.
I realized I could build a business doing something I genuinely loved, while still maintaining the flexibility to prioritize my family and contribute financially to our household.
How did you build your business?
I love reading books centered around business development and entrepreneurship, and one that really resonated with me early on was “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. That book helped me better understand the importance of ‘connectors,’ the people within your network who naturally bring others together and influence communities through trust and relationships.
When I launched my business, I identified who I considered the top 10 connectors within my immediate circle. I was not necessarily expecting them to book large trips with me themselves, but I knew they trusted me enough to share my new venture with others who potentially would.
I sent each of them an email and follow-up text introducing RSMLVTravel and asking if they would be willing to book their next trip with me, even if it was just a hotel stay, share my contact information with friends and family, or support me through social media.
What started very organically grew much faster than I anticipated into a strong referral-based business with a loyal client base. I created social media platforms for RSMLVTravel, launched newsletters, and attempted to continue blogging, though eventually client work and referrals became the primary driver of growth.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I was just talking to my daughter about this recently. She is a rising junior in college, trying to determine her own career path, and she asked me why I think I have been successful in this industry. My first response was honesty, followed closely by integrity, trust, insightful knowledge and experience. Without trust and integrity, it is very difficult to build a business rooted in repeat clients and referrals, which is ultimately what sustains a long-term career in luxury travel.
To me, insightful knowledge goes far beyond simply having traveled somewhere and being able to recommend a hotel, train, car service, museum or tour. Clients appreciate when you can speak to the people, the food, the culture and the emotional side of a destination.
I also believe relationships matter enormously in this business. I try to stay connected with clients outside of just their travel planning. Sometimes it is simply sending a quick note saying, ‘I saw this and thought of you,’ congratulating them when their child’s college team wins a championship, or mentioning a cocktail or hotel experience that reminded me of them. Those small touchpoints help keep you connected not just as an advisor but also as a person who ‘gets them.’
Communication is another major factor. Even when I do not yet have all the answers or finalized details, I think it is important to keep clients informed. A quick email or text letting them know I am still working on their itinerary, waiting on confirmation, or expecting updates by a certain date goes a long way in building confidence and trust throughout the process.
Finally, I place a strong emphasis on pre-arrival communication and reconfirmation with hotels and suppliers before my clients depart. Taking the time to proactively verify details and troubleshoot potential issues behind the scenes helps create a smoother experience overall, often preventing problems before the client ever knows they existed.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One of the greatest challenges for me is trying to keep up with all the moving pieces while still remaining present for both my clients and my family. There is constant pressure to stay visible and relevant through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, newsletters, blog and trip summaries, all while continuing to actually run the business itself.
At the same time, conferences, fam trips and industry events are incredibly important for growing your knowledge, strengthening supplier relationships and building your reputation within the industry.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments has been building a luxury travel business that is rooted primarily in repeat clients and referrals.
I am also proud to have mentored newer advisors who have gone on to successfully build their own books of business within the industry.
Recently, a sales representative from a luxury hotel complimented my advisor profile and shared that, as a working mother herself, seeing what I have accomplished gave her confidence that she could successfully pursue her own goals as well. Moments like that are incredibly meaningful to me because they remind me that success is not only about sales numbers, but also about the example you set and the relationships you build along the way.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Over the years, I have learned that not every platform or opportunity needs to be pursued perfectly. Being intentional about where you spend your time and energy becomes incredibly important, especially as both your business and personal responsibilities grow.
I would also encourage new advisors to focus on building genuine relationships within the industry, both with clients and supplier partners. This business is still very relationship-driven, and your reputation matters tremendously. Be responsive, communicate clearly, and follow through on what you say you will do.
Another important lesson is not to compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. It takes time to build confidence, knowledge and a strong referral base.
Finally, do not be afraid of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). One of the best ways to stay relevant in this industry is to remain open to the future and willing to evolve alongside it. AI can be an incredible tool for staying informed on destinations, organizing information, managing itinerary details, brainstorming ideas, and improving efficiency.
The advisors who will continue to thrive are those who combine strong personal relationships and firsthand experience with a willingness to adapt and to utilize new tools thoughtfully.
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